East Imperial plc
EISB:LN
Overview
Company Profile
East Imperial, founded in 2013 in New Zealand, produces and markets a line of branded ultra-premium beverages that are currently sold throughout APAC and the US. The company was founded on the philosophy of creating products defined by heritage, tradition and authenticity. East Imperial's range utilises all-natural authentic Asian ingredients, low natural sugar content, and a genuine 1903 East African family recipe.
Through its original intent to position itself as a lifestyle and ultra-premium brand, East Imperial has successfully carved-out, in only a short period of time, a competitive advantage in the marketplace. It continues to combine its intrinsic and genuine product qualities with its luxury lifestyle marketing strategy. The unique appeal of East Imperial mixers enables the company to promote its beverage lines across a broad range of countries with a focus on high-end and luxury establishments.
In 2019, East Imperial was voted by the World's Top 50 Bars and 200 Bartenders as the 3rd Top Trending Brand, and 3rd Top-Selling Tonic Water Brand globally. The forecast growth is driven by both new products opportunities in markets already established; Australasia, US, China, Hong Kong and Singapore and expansion into new markets.
Financials
Corporate
Board of Directors
Anthony Burt
Chief Executive Officer
Mr Burt has a strong brand building background. After leaving the University of Auckland, Mr Burt has spent time working in Japan, the US, and over 15 years in the UK, where he worked in two leading London based advertising and branding agencies. He then returned with his young family to New Zealand in 2009 and was appointed chief executive of full-service agency M&C Saatchi. Mr Burt created the East Imperial story and brand in 2011 and co-founded East Imperial in 2013 in New Zealand. He has been chief executive officer of East Imperial since its formation.
Andrew Robertson
Finance Director
Mr Robertson joined East Imperial in May 2018. Mr Robertson is a graduate of Waikato University where he studied a Bachelor of Management Studies. He has held a variety of finance roles in a variety of industries including Air New Zealand, Fletcher Paper and Flight Centre. More recently Mr Robertson has specialised in growth companies and before joining East Imperial he was chief financial officer of a New Zealand based technology start-up company.
Toby Hayward
Non-Executive Director
Mr Hayward qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Touche Ross & Co in 1984 and subsequently held a number of senior equity capital market positions in London. Mr Hayward was formerly Managing Director and Head of Corporate Broking at Jefferies International Limited, prior to this he was Head of Oil and Gas Equity Capital Markets at Canaccord Adams. He has also previously held the positions of Chairman and Non-Executive Director at Severfield plc and Non-Executive Director and Interim CEO at Afren plc.
Charles Jerome Caminada
Non-Executive Director
Mr Caminada possesses over 30 years’ experience in transforming large, global enterprises through senior leadership positions for listed and private companies in the UK, US, Japan and Australia, including 18 years in PLC Executive and Non-Executive Director roles. Mr Caminada was a founding member and Chief Operating Officer of HIT Entertainment plc, culminating in a £489m sale to Apax in 2005. Subsequently he has been Chief Operating Officer of HIT Entertainment and Ludorum plc; Non-Executive Director of Hornby plc and Shoe Zone plc and was a specialist advisor to UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).
Dr. Olufunke Abimbola M.B.E (known as Funke Abimbola)
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Abimbola graduated with a law degree from Newcastle University in 1994, qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2000. She started her career at Wembley PLC, previously a fully-listed company within the entertainment sector, and practised as a corporate/transactional lawyer for 12 years with various law firms before joining the global pharmaceutical industry in 2012. She has since held several senior leadership positions with Roche Pharmaceuticals and Cycle Pharmaceuticals including serving as General Counsel, Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer and Head of Financial Compliance. The Financial Times has listed her as being one of the top 15 ethnic minority leaders globally and she is also a notable alumna of her alma mater, Newcastle University. In 2017, she was awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to diversity and young people. She was subsequently appointed as an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Hertfordshire in 2019 for contributions to social and corporate diversity.
Alistair Kenneth McGeorge
Non-Executive Chairman
Alistair has a breadth of experience in both public and private consumer facing businesses, including New Look Group, Matalan, BIGW Limited and 11 years at Littlewoods/Shop Direct. He has played a leading role in turning around, managing and growing successful businesses, through ongoing change and developing new routes to market.
Colin Glen Henry
Non-Executive Director
Colin has over 20 years’ experience in retail companies having previously held senior roles at Marks & Spencer PLC, Polo Ralph Lauren Inc and Nike Inc/Umbro Inc as well as other major brands such as Jaeger Ltd, Matalan Group, New Look Group and BIGW. His experience of driving results is in both luxury and mass markets, across buying, brand development, marketing, digital and supply chain.